As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 approaches, the captains of all ten participating teams convened at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for Captain’s Day, marking the commencement of the tournament. Over the next 45 days, cricket enthusiasts will be treated to 48 matches across ten venues in India as they eagerly await the crowning of a new world champion.

Surprisingly, Captain’s Day did not dominate headlines or social media discussions in a cricket-crazy nation. Instead, the spotlight was on Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra’s participation in the men’s javelin throw final at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou. Nevertheless, as defending champions England prepare to face New Zealand in the opening match, the cricket fever is expected to grip the nation once more.

Mark Nicholas, the incoming president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), suggested that ODIs should be exclusively reserved for World Cups. He argued that it is becoming increasingly challenging to justify bilateral ODIs as they fail to attract large crowds in many countries. T20 cricket has surged in popularity and financial power, potentially overshadowing the ODI format.

Since the 2019 ODI World Cup in England and Wales, T20 franchise cricket leagues have flourished, with new leagues like The Hundred in England and SA20 in South Africa emerging. The International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE, despite not having List A status, attracted renowned cricketing stars. Additionally, T10 leagues offer quick financial rewards, attracting players seeking lucrative opportunities.